Everton reject £85 million Barcelona offer for Richarlison

UPDATE - Dominic King of the Mail says Everton are “emphatic” that reports of a bid from Barcelona are nonsense and they consider the matter closer.

Everton have turned down a bid of £85 million from Barcelona for Brazilian forward Richarlison, according to Sky Sports.

Sky have reported that the offer, which equates to 100 million Euros, was rejected immediately, with the club having no intention of selling arguably their most valuable asset during the January transfer window.

This is not the first time Barcelona have expressed an interest in Richarlison, with Spanish publication Marca reporting in April 2019 that the Catalan giants have long been admirers of the Brazilian, and see him as a centre-forward who could ease the burden on Luis Suárez, now 33.

Since following Marco Silva from Watford to Goodison Park in July 2018 for a potential £50 million, Richarlison has become one of Everton’s most important players, neeting 24 goals in 65 appearances.

Though he began his Everton career predominantly on the left wing, he moved to the right flank in the latter part of last season, and since Silva’s departure on December 5, has operated as a strike partner to Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

Richarlison has missed Everton’s last two games with a knee injury, but has returned to training this week ahead of Saturday’s trip to his former club, Watford.

A departure for the Brazilian could involve a sum eclipsing Everton’s record fee received for a player, which remains Romelu Lukaku’s £90 million move to Manchester United in July 2017.

During his time at Goodison, Richarlison has also become a part of the Brazilian national team, making 19 appearances and scoring six times since his debut in September 2018.